Fight for Forests

Wednesday, June 4, 2014 - 2:08pm

In her wise and elegant new book, “Seeds of Hope: Wisdom and Wonder from the World of Plants,” Dr. Jane Goodall with Gail Hudson, blends her experience in nature with her enthusiasm for botany to give readers a deeper understanding of the world around us. Continuing their exploration here, Dr. Goodall provides ideas and inspiration for what readers can do to get involved in and protect the world of plants.

According to Conservation International, deforestation is responsible for 16% of greenhouse emissions, which is more than the emissions produced by vehicles and airplanes combined. Wildlife depends on forests for shelter and food and we need forests to filter carbon dioxide, in order to make our air breathable. There are a variety of steps you can take to help protect forests around the world:

Write letters to your local and state representatives, as well as your local newspaper to express concern about deforestation.

Support companies that source only deforestation-free palm oil. You can look on a companies website to check if they have a deforestation-free palm oil policy.

Use recycled, tree-friendly toilet paper and paper towels. (Look for products that are “unbleached” or “chlorine-free.”)

Reduce your overall consumption of paper and wood products by transporting groceries in cloth bags, using cloth napkins, avoiding use of disposable plates and cups, and writing/printing on both sides of a sheet of paper.

Reduce your consumption of beef. (Forests are often cleared for cattle ranching.)

Research manufacturers before you buy their products and hold them accountable for environmentally irresponsible practices by writing letters or calling to express your dissatisfaction. It does make a difference!

Contact organizations like the Rain Forest Action Network or the Nature Conservancy to make donations, volunteer, or start your own grassroots campaign.

To learn more about Dr. Goodall’s new book, please visit the “Seeds of Hope” page at www.janegoodall.org/seedsofhope. Have you missed some of our earlier blog posts? Don’t worry, see all of them below!